Beloved actress Jennifer Aniston, globally recognized for her roles in television and film, has opened up about her long-standing “extreme fear of flying”—a common phobia facing millions worldwide. In a recent interview, Aniston discussed not only her apprehension toward air travel but also the practical steps and psychological therapies she’s used to reclaim her sense of calm while flying. Her story—and the massive social resonance it has sparked—points to broader discussions about mental health, celebrity openness, and modern approaches to managing anxiety disorders.
Fear of flying, or aviophobia, is more widespread than many realize, affecting approximately 25 million Americans and countless others globally, including here in Thailand (source: Medical News Today). Though Thailand’s aviation industry is vital for domestic tourism and international connectivity, there is still sensitivity and, at times, stigma around discussing mental health—making Aniston’s openness more impactful. In her candid account, Aniston described how she used to rely on a pre-flight superstition—tapping the outside of the aircraft with her right palm and stepping in with her right foot—as part of her ritual. “But I have been doing some hypnosis lately, and one of the requirements is to remove all of those superstitions,” she revealed, crediting her positive progress and newfound confidence in the air to this evidence-based technique (ABC News; People).
Aniston is far from alone in her struggle. According to recent statistics cited by Stratos Jet Charters, exposure therapy continues to be the most common clinical tool for addressing various phobias, including aviophobia (Stratos Jets). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness meditation, and, more recently, hypnotherapy—as employed by Aniston—have all emerged as effective strategies in helping individuals cope with and eventually overcome their fears (Travel + Leisure). Clinical studies and therapists increasingly support the integration of these therapies. Dr. Jonathan Alpert, a psychotherapist interviewed by Fox News, said, “Hypnosis works by accessing the subconscious mind and reprogramming learned fears with more positive associations. When paired with mindful practices, it becomes a powerful tool for those struggling with aversions like flying.” (Fox News).
Meditation and structured breathwork—other techniques practiced by Aniston—have robust scientific backing. Systematic reviews in PubMed-indexed journals highlight that mindfulness practices reduce anticipatory anxiety and calm the body’s fight-or-flight response (source: Medical News Today). These methods are becoming mainstream as downloadable apps deliver guided mediation and relaxation exercises. “Visualization and relaxation techniques like practicing deep breathing; pre-flight preparation with tasks you find comforting and grounding; all lower physiological arousal linked to flight anxiety,” notes Dr. Abrah Sprung, an expert in anxiety treatment (Travel & Leisure).
Importantly, Aniston also highlights the challenge of changing habits: she mentioned trying to curb her tendency to overpack, acknowledging how anxiety often manifests in secondary travel behaviors. Her willingness to share these details reflects a growing trend of celebrities destigmatizing therapy and mental health support by leveraging their platforms (Times of India). In Thailand, where seeking help is sometimes viewed as a last resort, the normalization of therapy and self-care by public figures can spur broader acceptance and encourage others to seek support.
The cultural backdrop in Thailand further complicates matters. Thai society values sanook (สนุก)—a sense of enjoyment and fun—but the pressure to “keep face” (รักษาหน้า) can discourage open discussions about personal fears and vulnerabilities. However, as globalization connects Thais to international conversations around mental health, attitudes are starting to change, especially among younger generations. Universities and private clinics in Bangkok now offer counseling services specializing in fear of flying and travel anxiety. Airlines, including Thai Airways, are gradually rolling out support services, such as exposure programs (simulated flights and cockpit visits) and partnerships with therapists for passengers with severe aviophobia (MedicalNewsToday).
From a historical standpoint, fear of flying arose as commercial aviation scaled up during the latter half of the 20th century. In Thailand, where air travel links dozens of provinces across a mountainous and island-dotted geography, flying remains indispensable for both business and leisure. Notably, the Thai Hospitality and Aviation Association reports that anxieties around flying peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, when outbreaks, changing protocols, and news of airborne transmission further heightened concerns among the public.
Looking ahead, the confluence of public storytelling—like Aniston’s—medical advances, and increased digital access to therapeutic tools suggests a future where more people can fly with peace of mind. As artificial intelligence brings personalized therapy apps to smartphones, and as telehealth becomes routine, even those in rural areas of Thailand will likely see expanded options for managing their fears. Additionally, the emergence of support communities, such as online forums and group therapy, reduces isolation for those with aviophobia.
For Thai readers uncertain about their next trip or nervous about stepping onto a plane, experts recommend some practical steps: identify your triggers, try simple mindfulness meditations, and, if your anxiety is significant, consider reaching out to a mental health professional—many of whom now specialize in travel-related fears. Grounding rituals, while comforting, may reinforce anxiety; switching to evidence-based approaches, like gradual exposure, hypnosis, and structured relaxation, is likely more sustainable in the long run. Ultimately, as Aniston’s example demonstrates, facing your fears is not only possible, but can also open doors—sometimes quite literally—to new and once-unimaginable adventures. สู้ๆ นะ! (Keep fighting!)
You can read more about the science and treatment of aviophobia at Medical News Today, discover therapy tips at Travel + Leisure, read expert commentary in People and Times of India, or learn practical tips from the New York Times. For those in Thailand, consider checking with your local hospital or university counseling center for travel anxiety support.